Curated list · updated 26 October 2026

Side income that uses what teachers already know

Teachers have one of the clearest commercial advantages: subject expertise parents already pay for. Tutoring agencies publish their rates, and Teacha! lets teachers sell resources for 65% of each sale. Check your employment contract before selling material you made for your school.

5 options that fit

  1. Online tutoring for South African learners

    Tutor school or university learners in maths, science, accounting, languages and more, in person, online or via tutoring agencies.

    • To start: R0 to R500
    • First income: about 21 days
    • No cold selling needed
    • Strong evidence

    Why it fits: Customers can come through work handed out by an app or platform, which you are comfortable with.

  2. Selling teaching resources (worksheets, lesson plans)

    Create CAPS-aligned worksheets, assessments and lesson plans and sell them on Teacha! or your own store.

    • To start: R0 to R500
    • First income: about 60 days
    • No cold selling needed
    • Strong evidence

    Why it fits: Customers can come through listing on online marketplaces (Takealot, Bob Shop, Etsy, Teacha!), which you are comfortable with.

  3. Teaching English online to international learners

    Conversational English lessons on platforms such as Cambly and Preply, paid in dollars.

    • To start: R0 to R800
    • First income: about 21 days
    • No cold selling needed
    • Strong evidence

    Why it fits: Customers can come through work handed out by an app or platform, which you are comfortable with.

  4. Teaching your craft in workshops and classes

    Teach candle making, pottery, sewing, crochet, beadwork or leatherwork in small paid classes, at home, in cafes or for groups.

    • To start: R500 to R5 000
    • First income: about 30 days
    • No cold selling needed
    • Some evidence

    Why it fits: Uses your teaching or tutoring (professional level).

  5. Transcription and captioning

    Type out audio and video accurately for transcription platforms or local firms.

    • To start: R0 to R800
    • First income: about 60 days
    • No cold selling needed
    • Thin evidence

    Why it fits: Customers can come through work handed out by an app or platform, which you are comfortable with.

How we built this list: we run our scoring method on one common situation and show the options that pass every hard limit, best fit first. Your own answers will change it.

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